To stop farmer suicides, this group from TN is helping make agriculture profitable.
We had sessions with farmers, we spent the month of February understanding the problems of the farmers; we met farmers who use chemicals, and also organic farmers,” said Naveen Subramanium, a member of FFI.
Currently, the team is working with farmers in three villages near Chennai: Irumbedu near Arani, and Gumbli and Edur near Gummidipoondi.
We have been laying the groundwork, making them understand the soil, how to make it fertile, how to reduce the input cost, etc,” Naveen explained.
FFI has also been calling in experts to help the farmers cultivate in a profitable manner.
The group has not only been conducting sessions with farmers, but also helping them sell their yield to customers.
Other than this, they have also started the ‘4F campaign – For Farmer, For Family’.
Water scarcity being one of the major issues for the farmers in the state, FFI has been working with the government in lake and water restoration.
Asked about the reason for high farmer suicides in the state, Naveen explains: “High input cost and low yield is one of the major problem.
That is why we are promoting organic farming as it requires lesser input cost and gives more yield.”